Drummer Nick Hodgson has quit the Kaiser Chiefs after spending 15 years in the band.

The founding member revealed on his Twitter account that he would not be continuing with the band and Kaiser Chiefs later confirmed in a statement that Hodgson's last performance was their appearance at Reading Festival in summer 2012.

Hodgson tweeted: "I can confirm I have left Kaiser Chiefs after 15 spectacular years. I'm moving on. I wish the rest of the band the very best!"

The news comes after the Yorkshire group were announced as being the first act to play at the new Leeds Arena which is due to open in September 2013 preceded by a full UK tour scheduled for February and March next year.

Kaiser Chiefs will be continuing without their drummer who also co-wrote all of the indie rockers' songs. Lead singer Ricky Wilson added on his Twitter page: "The door is on the latch and the key under the mat. X"

It is set to be yet another busy summer for the Leeds band with tours already plotted for South America while they will return to English shores to support Green Day at their huge show at the Emirates Stadium in June.

About Gear4music.com

Launched in 2003 and now with over 590,000 customers, Gear4music.com is a leading retailer of musical instruments and music equipment. You can buy music gear from orchestral instruments to rock 'n' roll, including guitars, drum kits, digital pianos, saxophones and cellos, plus leading recording and studio equipment.

From starter guitars to pro microphones and amps, the Gear4music.com online music shop has a huge range of music equipment available. Whether you're looking for a violin, keyboard, electronic drum kit or PA system, we can help.

We've got some of the biggest brands in stock, including Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Fender, Ibanez, Alesis, Behringer & Gibson, as well as our own great value Gear4music music product range.

To receive excellent service and a great price on your next musical instrument purchase, try us now!

From today until the 30th of December, ROLI's Seaboard RISE 25 will be available at a 15% discount. Revered as one of the most revolutionary and expressive MIDI controllers in recent times, the ROLI...